Figure Drawing - Design and Invention
Figure Drawing - Design and Invention
Figure Drawing - Design and Invention
Michael Hampton
Ww
ui
“A
©
,o
ISBN-10: 0-615-27281-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-615-27281-8
| | | i
9 "780615"272818 | |
FIGURE DRAWING
Design and Invention
MICHAEL HAMPTON
SFumeny — (bo! -
“ey
tl
ArtMON
OOL AYNLSAD — SNIZAdVYL ONIMVUG AYNLSAD
OOL AdVHS — SNIZAd VL
ce
96 AWNIOA — YOLVW SIIWeOLDAd NOTLONGOULNI
S.LNHLNOD dO A TaVL
This book is dedicated to my parents for their unending
support and encouragement. To Hollis, without whom
none of this would have been possible.
As we begin, keep in
mind that each chapter
builds upon the next.
This approach should
also apply to your
drawings as you make
them. Have discipline
in your working process,
understand how one step
leads into the next, you
should improve more
quickly.
- STORY [ comPosition!
— Pozpoejion
@ peers |
-
— WeIckTt /SALaNce
— Adatouy
wee pe & | »
) 4
e ASUmmETRM oF UNE
° ZEPETITION OF CRANE
> WPEEP ING UNERS
| 8 Paers | The lines most crucial to showing a figure are the “C” curve,
the straight (line), and “S” curve. These lines will continuously
reappear throughout the book. In this drawing process, you will
never use any other type of line.
When checking the proportion of the figure, try to avoid doing any slow, methodical
measuring. Instead, base the proportions off of what looks correct after establishing the
figure from head to foot. If it looks incorrect, change it — the drawing is still at an early
stage when correction is easy. The downside to slowly measuring out the figure is that it
stiffens the poses. Focus on the activity — the proportion can be corrected later.
The most important thing to keep in mind while drawing the figure is that the human from is
essentially a balancing act.
EAT Rg,
of ER NTI
T MD 0, Ks
Moy ih Lag ease aa
jgarantt ees
onic ad? re
Lig He B r ae
i inld oo rae
manana aienssasr
Meee Sheeet
i eae
Te Baro ‘
of mn mometen D ot
A rc
sf, Toe RENO TA.
crete =
minute gesture drawings.
Analyze the drawings on these pages for the ideas discussed so far. At this point, the
eight parts of the body are indicated in an exaggerated activity. They are summarized
into relationships using the straight, “C” curve, and “S” curve. The curves are used
asymmetrically to play with a dynamic sense of timing and balance.
.
my
Sy
4
WSSf
—
Byid
Se
:
N\
TO
S
be<
——
—
le
A
s
D> Y \ AS
iD
a a f
Ys
tf
he
Ks
(Sz
The last type of curve used in a gesture is wrapping lines. In a quick sketch, wrapping lines are
curves that move across and around a form to indicate perspective.
this drawing,
notice how the lower
legs have been given two
different types of wrapping
lines to indicate the separate spatial
placement of each leg.
After using wrapping lines, the last step in creating a gesture drawing is to include the shapes of the
head, rib cage, and pelvis.
When doing this, keep in mind that including these shapes will be a powerful tool in showing
proportion, weight, and balance. At this point, keep the shape of the head very simple as a
sphere. The rib cage should be shown as a conservative egg-shape that is standing up, while the
pelvis is an oval laying on its side.
Refer to the diagram at the beginning of this chapter for an illustration of the shapes.
11
Similar to the diagram to the right, all of the
wrapping lines are volumetric contours, or lines
that travel across the surface of a form from side
to side. As a form changes direction spatially,
the lines will reflect that change.
\ CERVICAL
ORACIC
5
LUMBAR \
The first two drawings on the left show The two drawings on the right
the design of the spine using only line. illustrate the spatial position of
the spine.
The first drawing is done using only
straight lines, illustrating the direction The first of these two (second
changes in the three areas of the spine: drawing from the right) is similar
the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper and to the first drawing on the left
lower rib cage), and lumbar (lower with the added element of
rib cage and pelvis). Starting from the perspective. Notice that the
bottom triangle, notice that the lumbar same 2-D directional changes are
section of the spine moves forward and taking place, but now include the
away from the viewer’s eye. Next, the cylinders constructed on top to
direction of the spine changes and leans clarify the spine’s snaking through
the opposite direction. As it moves space.
further into the thoracic section, the
rib cage again changes direction as it The last drawing on the right uses
moves up and towards the neck. The “S” curves to depict a more fluid
thoracic section then moves into the design for the spine, using ellipses
cervical area of the spine. to delineate the perspective and
surface changes.
The second drawing from the left
shows how an “S” curve illustrates this
complex movement in a simple fluid
line.
FRONT THREE-QUARTER VIEW
w@
O
MHy
aa
a |
A
y¥ (Of UYU
J /
The diagram above shows the spine as if seen on a figure from a front
three-quarter view. The same types of lines have been used as in the
first illustration: straights, curves, cylinders, and a more organic shape.
Compare the front view to the back view on the previous page.
Notice that all of the movements detailed on the back view are now
reversed in this front view.
In the illustration below, the same lines have been used to show the
spine in profile.
Didetam oF
SuaGesped
Pyilnic ceeveS
Based on THE
Peesrectwe
Mov ements 2
The Sein
+
Baradtand&
Soo vs, Fast
Tininer | NomBee %
& PLACE MONT OF j
ASYMMETA CAL we.
CURVES| ith
After some experience with gesture drawing, you will start to notice that passages or areas in the
figure can be handled in a very formulaic way. For example, the same lines are always used to
directionally express the movements of the spine. The diagrams above were done to illustrate the
importance of trying to see with X-ray vision into the spine as a starting point in explaining the
figure. Additionally, the first two figures have the gesture lines added to show the influence of the
spine on their position and direction (design).
Always try and understand what the spine is doing — most everything in the figure can be
explained as a consequence of it.
17
After developing your figure’s pose as a gesture drawing,
The goal of using the center
you will next give a more concrete description of the major of gravity is to force an
masses: the head, rib cage, and pelvis. Manipulating the awareness of how the figure
figure’s center of gravity in an exaggerated manor is essential stands upright, while creating
in creating an interesting pose. On top of the gesture, add
the ability to exaggerate
a sphere for the head, an egg shape for the rib cage, anda positions.
horizontal egg shape for the pelvis.
Following ideas of balance,
you can design a 2-D lean
for the rib cage that is off
the symmetrical center. (Of
course, unless the figure is in a
seated position, a pose using
an object to remain upright,
or if the majority if weight
rests on the arms.)
18
After identifying the center of gravity, the next
step is to lay in the three major masses: the head, gr =~
rib cage, and pelvis. TZ <=) —
At this early stage in the drawing, use the egg shape — which can then be used to develop
more complex forms.
SZ wes A ey he
ING , /e As cal
S ‘ -
\ A
re. \
) xX \ “
a } MN
& Jif
\ i\
ON YN
YX
— 7 \ &
Z / a= —
There are hundreds of different configurations for the creation of a pose, and each one is
governed by the desired effect and context of a given story. The following exercise will
help you create a sense of impending action, and is an exercise | generally give to students
who are stuck making stiff symmetrical positions. While this exercise isn’t the solution to
how every pose should be thought through, it is one tool to use when thinking about the
mechanics of the figure, and how these mechanics can be used.
Stiff, symmetrical poses, while good for a suggestion of power, strength and/or immobility,
often lack a sense of lyricism and exaggeration. In an effort to push towards these more
dynamic attributes in a pose, | ask my students to strive to create an “about to ...” quality,
which is a pose or position in their drawing that is somewhere in mid-action, mid-step,
etc. The “about to ...” effect is an engagement in the suspended interest or outcome of
the figure. Stable, symmetrical positions keep the action in stasis; the action has either
not begun, or it has ended. An “about to...” position engages viewers by making them
anticipate the outcome of the action, hopefully wanting to fill in the rest of the story.
fr
abe
LAWE of Bavsice
20 3ESTURE DRAWING
The difference between a stable pose and one in mid-action is
determined by how weight is distributed and balanced. While
this approach can be used to analyze most positions, here it is
demonstrated with the standing figure. Keeping in mind the
prior notes on the center of gravity, build a triangle between the
feet and either the belly button or nose. In poses that are very
stable, the triangle mostly appears very stable at the bottom.
Notice that in exaggerated positions, or out of balance poses, the
triangle looks more irregular.
21
a!
IA]
:
Economy of line is
if
yet another way to
Hy
<
clarify themes relating
art
ss
to gesture. Read
’
through the diagrams
for suggestions on the
ah
aN
economical use of the
e
drawing medium.
wr
=
OSS
>
j
2
*
a
KS
aiensaeg
erent} nad
st Riba nner
GESTURE DRAWING
. E conloray oF Live”
Bese”
— PESLABING THe DIFFECENcED BETWEEN MUSCLE, FAT»
Baca ce
— Bone vs Muscle
SPUN To ~UN
THE Road Side
osweun oF UNE UW
— THis
FoR SmoslThee {SoFTER
RESERVED
Srrtece UKE) AteasS — MoscleE + FAT
Cmoce
“Creating a sense of story” in your gesture drawings can mean a number of different things.
Gesture can be the way we recognize moods through body mechanics, the innate ability to
recognize your best friend from 20-30 feet away, or just simply being able to read the body as
a type of communication. When studying gesture drawings, it will be a common exercise to
exaggerate these positions until you become more comfortable with articulating a wide range
of expressions. Once the ability to develop the exaggerated is achieved, the more natural
subtleties of expression will be much easier to create.
Remember that the figure is a machine in constant relationship with balance and imbalance
— not just in the design of bones and muscle, but also of movement. Think of the natural
activity of walking as an example. In order to walk, run — to move at all — we must
throw ourselves out of balance, and with the next step catch it again. The reason all of our
design elements are focused on asymmetry, balance, movement, etc. is essentially because
we are describing a machine moving through a series of controlled falls.
So far, you may have noticed that there has been no discussion of measuring the figure or
proportion. In this particular approach, there is an emphasis on achieving proportion through
overall quick assessment of size. Work through the gesture lines from the head to the foot, then
take a moment to decide if what you’ve done looks correct. This is not to say that this approach is
better than another (because, ultimately, all should be considered); however, this approach allows
for the emphasis to be placed on capturing the feeling of movement and position. One of the
negative aspects of measuring is that, at times, it tends to produce static, stiffened poses with very
little fluidity.
25
Remember that at no point in
a gesture drawing should you —>—_—..
be worried about developing
a likeness, or drawing contour
lines. Focus on the movement caused by the line use — think of these drawings as being
abstract exercises in using line to move the eye.
Figure drawing is not so much about making something that looks like a person, but
instead developing incredibly complex artistic practices and skills. Learning these skills will
allow you to easily create any variety of figure or character desired.
Consider the gesture as the your animated way of capturing the lyricism of the entire figure.
Do your best to keep the fluidity of the gesture, but still include the mechanics (skeleton,
anatomy, perspective) in order to give believability to the overall figure.
The next chapter will discuss using the gesture as a framework for developing a functional
design for the skeleton. Adding the landmarks is the first step into a rigorous demonstration of
how that gesture is possible. Regardless of the chapters and information to come, it is crucial
to begin with a gesture.
It is important to always build up these
drawings in stages, and to always start
with a gesture prior to this step.
28 LANDMARKS
Looking for the skeleton is the second stage in developing your figure drawings.
This step is meant to give your drawings the look and feel of weight provided by
the skeleton, as well as be a transitional stage in developing volume.
29
RIB CAGE anpb PELVIS
Remembering these areas helps to give your drawings the feel of an active skeleton. Observing
the tilts across these points reveals the distribution of weight. These landmarks also help give the
figure volume, perspective, and aid in the placement of anatomical shapes.
4= DA
12 /\
He DAA
The drawing above shows the landmarks of the back. These include:
HH Thespine. The spine flows from the bottom of the cranial notch all the
way down to the pelvis, ending at the sacrum.
The sacrum.
The seventh cervical vertebrae. This is a very pronounced area of bone towards the
lower portion of the neck.
Behe scapulae. The scapulae are two free-floating bones, which guide and aid the
movement of the arms.
Examples B, C, and D show the positions of the landmarks as the figure starts to move through
space. Notice that the line of symmetry on the three-quarter, side, and three-quarter back has
remained, but now begins to favor, or move closer to, one side of the figure. Where the line
of symmetry had previously divided the figure into two equal parts, now it helps to align the
shape of the landmarks and show a turn. As the flat view (shown in the two drawings at top)
becomes a slightly angled view, the rib cage and pelvis are shown with an interior corner. This
interior corner will be used to show the perspective by allowing the rib cage and pelvis to be
turned into a box.
31
VOLUME
This diagram details the process of how to use your knowledge of the landmarks to show volume.
The third drawing shows the landmarks in a slightly-rotated view. Notice that the line of
symmetry (found by placing the landmarks) favors the same side of the form as the direction
that the figure is turning. For example, as the figure turns to the right, the line of symmetry
moves closer to the right side of the form.
The fourth drawing shows the separation of front and side planes.
The fifth drawing uses landmarks to find the line of symmetry, keeping the front flat plane. A
side plane has been added to reinforce the idea of the figure is turning in space. Note that
all of the planes are based off of the landmarks. For example, the front plane of the figure is
based off of four points: the ends of each clavicle and the two ends of the thoracic arch.
This illustration shows the perspectives you will want to emphasize based on
the view.
On the left, this front view shows that the rib cage should
always be pushed back in space to show the viewer
the underside of the rib cage. To balance the
rib cage, and reflect the spine’s influence, the
pelvis is seen from above.
The main focus during this step has been to preserve the story of
the gesture and to begin to indicate the distribution of weight. In
your drawings, the skeleton should help give a more concrete
explanation of the mechanics of weight distribution.
36
ISTRIRIITION
“1 -°‘\N
ASITINAIDUTLIUN
When showing a pinch or a stretch, it is extremely important to develop a sense of space by using
overlaps. This tool for showing recession and depth is commonly referred to as a “T” overlap. A
“T” overlap should clearly show one line moving behind or in front of another line, much like the
letter T. The illustration above shows how the “T” overlap is used when dealing with a pinch and
stretch. This will be explained in more detail in the Connections section of this chapter.
37
These are 2 minute gesture drawings that focus
on the placement of the landmarks.
38
39
When showing depth using a “T” overlap, you
need to be especially clear about what form goes
in front or behind another. The diagram to the
right shows a demonstration of this idea, using
spheres. Notice that every time a form comes in
contact with one that is either in front or behind
it, they meet at a “T”.
ir
figure, the “T” overlap will constantly be used to
help organize the major and minor forms.
ene
tt
The “T” is used in many types of images and is a main tool for showing recession and depth
in landscapes. Study how the “T” overlaps are used to place one form in front of another
causing the eye to experience a sense of depth.
Having established the skeletal landmarks and the figure in perspective, the next step deals with the
connection and design of these forms.
Notice, on the example to the left, that the head, rib cage, and
pelvis are all connected with either an “S” or “C” curve. This use of
curves will help tie the forms together consistently with the gesture
drawing.
a By limiting the line use, you design a fluid relationship to the page
\ based on the negative space left behind. By only using these curves,
you will have a more controlled and simplified understanding
of how to describe the movement of the three parts against one
another.
SN
~
Observe how the “C” curve becomes suggestive of the flesh between the two areas
of bone compressing, and the “S” more clearly communicates an elongation or
stretch between the two areas of bone as they move away from one another.
This use of curve will take place at every intersection on the body - the neck,
midsection, between the pelvis and legs and the rib cage into the arms.
ee
Ne asses
44 LANDMARKS
SSeS ea
St
A I ee =
a ae SS
SSS
eee eee
5 SS=~ wo
These are 3—5 minute
drawings done using pen
and prismacolor. Study these
drawings to see the process
as described up to this point.
45
ARMS AND LEGS
Remember, developing a
construction drawing is
not necessarily the desired
finished product. Rather,
this is one invaluable stage
of knowledge (among
many others) that has to be
integrated into any image.
The first step is to use one line to place the direction and
length of the arm.
This illustration
demonstrates how to turn
a cylinder in space by
changing the size of the
ellipse. The fourth step (in
the bottom right corner)
completes the cylinder by
putting a cap on the open
end. This cap should be an
exact copy of the arc of the
ellipse from the other side.
CHAHO ©
47
These are example of construction
drawings at various stages. Keep
in mind that another reason to
emphasize an activity or gesture
at the beginning is so that your
drawings don’t start to stiffen up.
48 LANDMARKS
While including the skeletal structure
and the geometric volumes, the
drawings may run the risk of becoming
rigid. In every stage, you want to be
reinforcing the story or gesture. The
landmark stage should be a re-telling of
the gesture, describing the pose in space
and bringing more realism through the
skeleton.
—
Ca) Poem ldee Cureses
@) VARMING Sizes ot SeueeES
i? - ® hevrpaes oe CuUyesns al =
Pairing EWiPSES
1. Practice drawing spheres using one line, in varying sizes. Draw from your shoulder, not
from your wrist.
2. Draw different sizes of ellipses using one line (again, from the shoulder), double-checking its
accuracy by adding in the major and minor axes.
3. Practice thinking spatially by drawing only wrapping lines. Imagine you are drawing a
garden hose, snake, or slinky.
4. Build on Exercise 2 by pairing the ellipses, and developing cylinders.
5. Take the sphere, box, and cylinder as departure points for more complex, organic forms
The entire figure builds out of spheres, cylinders, boxes, ellipses, and curves.
6. Imagine a box falling off of a ledge, and rotate the planes to show a sense of fall and turn.
Before moving on to the development of anatomy, it is paramount to understand how to keep
a consistent feeling of form. This stage will emphasize the importance and technical principles
needed to continue to emphasize the underlying shapes. The box, sphere, and cylinder still
have to be reinforced with the use of line and connection.
Whenever adding to or
describing a form built from a
box, cylinder, or sphere, it is
important to never use line in a
way that contradicts that form.
Notice how the lines around
the volumes to the left always
work around the volume.
These lines travel across the
surface as if they had to literally
walk across them. This is one
of the best ways to convince
your viewers that what they
are seeing Occupies space.
8A SS
Z i \ aS
A
4 A ey ‘
The preceding chapter can be summarized by thinking through these four steps:
1. VOLUMES The entire figure will be constructed out of spheres, boxes, and
OIC
cylinders — get comfortable with these volumes and become as
familiar as possible with drawing them.
2. MAINTAINING THE If the sphere, box, and cylinder are your building blocks, you will
VOLUME WITH LINE never want to work against the effects they develop. In order to
support these effects, become sensitive to how line enhances or
destroys these surfaces (wrapping lines).
3. COMBINING VOLUMES Combine the sphere, box, and cylinder together in order to
develop organic forms that can more easily approximate the
forms of the figure.
4. ADDING TO & Adding and connecting volumes involves maintaining the first
CONNECTING VOLUMES three steps while integrating the complex volume into others.
Here are examples of how
building upon these four steps
leads to a fully-rendered figure.
The process for drawing the head is based on development and form. The goal is to
understand all the parts of the skull in order to create a believable, volumetric model that you
can use to work from out of your head.
57
The sphere represents the cranial mass, which is 2/3
of the entire skull.
The second step involves giving the sphere a tilt. With a straight line drawn through the center
of the sphere, the cranial mass is given a 2-D orientation. The first drawing on the left would
show a head standing upright. The drawing in the middle shows a head starting to lean. The
last drawing, with the horizontal line through it, shows a head that is lying down or flat. This
step is important in developing the positioning of the head.
58
This step introduces the shape of the jaw back onto the cranial mass.
Finding the “t” is extremely important — not only for correct placement of the front plane of
the face, but also for a solid organization of the features.
At this stage, you should be focused on using the jaw, indicated with a straight, horizontal line
for the chin, to show a complete turn. This involves an awareness of the symmetrical view,
and what happens to the chin-line as the head turns right or left (shown in orange).
With the tilt, the “t,” and chin, you can establish all possible leans of the head and implied
dimensional turns with only shape.
Notice that because the head is a symmetrical form, we can use the same process for
establishing volume that was used for the rib cage and pelvis.
59
This step introduces perspective Drawing a more complex form like the head
into your drawing. Before requires a strong familiarity with the skills and
this point, everything has been exercises discussed at the beginning of the
organized through the use of Form and Connections chapter. If your head
shape to arrange the placement drawings look a little off, try to pinpoint errors
of the larger forms. Perspective within the six skill areas so you can practice
is now added to create the those specific skills.
illusion of three dimensions.
The first step in deciding on a perspective is to simply determine whether you are
underneath (A) or above (B) the head. Illustration A shows what a head looks like when
seen from underneath. Note that the “t” has changed — it now tilts back across the face.
To the right, note that this perspective is simplified by the cylinder. When wrapping the “t”
across the cranial mass, always draw through and around that sphere as if it were made of
glass. The dotted lines on the drawing show how this appears. It is important that this line
bisects the sphere at its equatorial center — think of this line traveling around the sphere like
the line of the equator traverses the surface of the earth.
The two drawings in the center show how to easily place this “t” or eye line. By relating the eye
line to the brow and top of the ear, you will more accurately describe the perspective angle.
Illustration B shows the head seen from above. The cylinder to the right of the head shows how
all the line work is still geared toward describing a basic perspectival idea.
60 HEAD DRAWING
Here are some 5 minute
sketches.
61
Having set up the major forms through the use of shape and perspective, the placement of the
smaller forms can be established by setting proportions.
* HAIRLINE
BROW =
KEYSTONE + 28
BOTTOMOF = =. |/>
SOCKET
BASEOFNOSE —— |/>
SEPARATIONOF —b ly, wl
LIPS
1
TOPOFCHIN. —P /3M
BOTTOM OF —
CHIN
62
™) The base of the nose is half-way between the brow and the bottom of the jaw.
From the base of the nose to the brow above, the face is continually broken into halves:
@ The first mark is the bottom of the eye sockets, which is half-way between the
base of the nose and the brow.
®@ Halfway between the bottom of the sockets and the brow is the center
of the eyes and the bottom of the keystone shape (shown in blue).
The shape in the upper right corner shows the basic appearance of the
keystone shape when seen straight on. This keystone shape is the area of
bone that separates the eyes. This is the most important area to closely
observe in order to create a likeness.
The area between the base of the nose to the bottom of the jaw is divided into three equal
parts. The two marks that separate those three equal parts determine:
The last point of reference is the hairline. While not an area of bone, the hairline will help
in transitioning to the next step. The hairline’s placement will change depending on the
particular character type — some will have one and others won’t.
63
A
= rr
™ Ys
}
'
|
—~——==—- CH ay
This step begins with finding the hairline and drawing it in perspective all the way around to
the back of the skull.
Next, beginning from the base of the nose, draw another line back across the form to the back
of the skull.
Between the back of the skull, the top of the line drawn from the hairline, the outside of the
brow, and the line drawn from the base of the nose, draw an ellipse to represent the side
plane of the skull. These four points are always used to find this side plane; however, the
orientation and the size of the ellipse will change depending on the perspective.
This is the most important stage in giving the head a 3-D appearance. In a very simple way,
the box (top right of the illustration) describes what is beginning to take place on the skull.
Between the four points mentioned above, draw two straight lines connecting them. One
should be horizontal going from the back of the skull to the end of the brow, the other should
be drawn from the line at the base of the nose to the top line at the hairline. During this step,
keep the vertical line as close to matching the line of the tilt (step 2) as possible.
64 HEAD DRAWING
This step begins by placing the ear. The ear sits in the lower quarter, created by drawing the
horizontal and vertical divisions in step 6. As shown in dark blue, the ear should be kept as a
simple “C” shape that is no taller than the base of the nose to the line of the brow.
The second part of this step is to find the line of the cheek. As shown in dark blue, the line of
the cheekbone begins at the top of the ear and continues as a “C” curve down to the corner of
the jaw. The inclusion of the cheekbone adds another corner, showing the front plane of the
face, and now side plane for the jaw.
66 HEAD DRAWIN
SSS SESE SORA ashe BNL a ae ee
These drawings represent the ear
from a number of different angles.
Keep your drawings as simple as
possible for as long as possible.
Diagrams A, B, and C to the right
show how to represent the ear
simply from the side (A), three-
quarter front (B), and back (C).
67
This step begins by finding the recessive plane for the eye sockets (shown with orange dots). It
is important to show that the plane for the sockets pushes into the skull at an angle. Also note
that all four dots are connected to show one plane that begins at the brow line and ends at
the proportion line for the bottom of the sockets. This plane does not go past the cut-out for
the side plane of the head.
From the tip of the nose, at either end, two lines are drawn down to connect it to
the base. You should now have one plane, which represents the bottom plane of
the nose. The next step (above right) is to draw two straight lines from the tip of
the nose (pink dots) to the ends of the keystone shape above (orange dots). This
form gives you the front plane for the bridge of the nose.
To complete this structure, drop a line from the point at the keystone (orange dots)
to the line for the bottom of the sockets (green dot) at about the same angle as was
used for the side of the base of the nose. After connecting this again to the base of
the nose (connect green dot to pink), you have the side plane of the nose drawn to
proportion, accurately placed on a believable perspective-based form.
68
This page shows a variety of different shapes and views for the nose.
Notice that the red lines allow you to see the importance of the box
for use in establishing the placement of the nose on the face and its
perspective. The varying angles and views of the nose are totally
dependent on how well you understand the placing a box in space.
Having the developed the box, notice that different types of noses come from
exaggerating any of the straight lines to become a variety of curves. Additionally, the
underside of the nose in these examples has been broken into the septum and nostrils.
69
These pages contain example drawings of the form, placement, and planes of the eyes. When
drawing the eye, always begin by describing the sphere of the eye and where it sits within the
socket. It is most important to give the eye its context before going right in for the highlight.
When describing the eyelids, be sure to think of them as wrapping lines. The lids should feel as
if they travel across and around the underlying form of the eye.
Notice that the design
of the eyelids is
asymmetrical, exactly
like the gesture lines
developed in Chapter
1. The upper lids will
always have a higher
curve closer towards
the nose, and the
lower lids will drop
and curve further
from the nose.
This step involves developing the area of the tooth cylinder or denture sphere. This area
of bone, which includes the teeth, pushes out and away from the face. This is the main
characteristic of the lower portion of the face to develop before drawing the lips.
The denture sphere is an oval. This oval is drawn from the top of the chin up underneath
the area of the nose (this is shown in the example on the facing page in the lower left).
72
“—™
——-_-—<
van HY”
VNOBeNParTH Lips
; A ABeve urs
= yf
fe
73
=e ee
74 HEAD DRA NI NG 5
t ty ihe
is 2
RAP
‘ ,
This is an example of how your completed line drawing should look. Before moving on to
any finishing work on the character or head, make sure there is a fundamental development
of the basic forms. These forms are what give your drawings the feeling of believability,
naturalism, and volume.
The development of the features should, at this beginning stage, be a tertiary concern.
77
Developing the profile view can be handled with a slightly different set of tools. The first
steps, however, should be the same. It is still most important to establish the shape, tilt, and
perspective. In doing this, your drawing should look like example B (straight on), C (view
from beneath), or E (view from above). Depending on your intention, it may be easier to
demonstrate the feeling of volume by cheating or exaggerating a perspective viewpoint (in the
case C or E).
After finishing this step, and using the same proportions, the profile for an individual can be
introduced as a design. Try likening your characters profile by thinking of how much the
forms of the face project out from the front line (F) or push into it.
78
When drawing
the profile view in
perspective, emphasize
the top or bottom of
the head to achieve
the same description
of space offered by the
cylinder.
79
ion oet ly
S
ce
Similar to the profile, the back of the head also offers a unique set of problems. However,
you will always begin with the first four major steps. Having set the placement up, the design
for the back of the head is one predominately structured on the “T” overlap. The forms you
are looking to overlap in this position (the anatomical forms will be discussed in the following
chapter) are the Trapezius (1), the form of the neck (2), the sternocleidomastoid (3), the cranial
mass (4), and ear (5). Simplify your drawing of the back of the head into an organization of
these major forms.
The following examples illustrate how simple the job of lighting the
head can be when simplifying the major forms. Having these basic
forms as the foundation for your head will make the difficult job of
inventing lit figures much more approachable. Use the construction-
based approach to the head for only as long as it takes to familiarize
yourself with the primary volumes and their perspectives. Once you
have this knowledge and are comfortable with it, feel free to develop
a short-handed version, create your own variation, or use it as an
imagined structure for the creation of longer “finished” looking studies.
Keep in mind that although we are working
through underlying principles of construction,
perspective, and form, that they are all geared
towards the realistic/ organic presentation of
a “finished” looking head, portrait, character,
etc. The process delays gratification through
focusing first on the inside of the forms in order
to increase the understanding and depiction of
the outside.
84
Notice that in the organization of the face,
and consistent with the rest of the ideas
discussed so far, that there is always a
balance between hard and soft forms
85
ANATOMY
The most important step in
developing a drawing that
includes anatomy is to first
work through a process.
Working through gesture,
shapes, landmarks, and then
volume gives your drawings
a sense of solidity that
the anatomy will need to
respond to.
86 ANATOMY
LS I EE SS
—
au
©
Zz.
—
=
m
=
The color-coded drawings on these pages show the
placement of the different muscle groups according to
a simplified idea of their
shapes. Study them
for an understanding
of how to use “T”
overlaps. Because
there is so much going
on, it is extremely
important to use the
“T” overlaps to be clear
about relationships and
placement.
PROCESS
ANATOMY PROCESS:
Following this step, every muscle is looked at in
isolation, as a shape. First, you should be concerned 1. SHAPE
with a muscle’s shape and its placement: second, 2. PLACEMENT
how that shape changes in relationship to the gesture 3. GESTURE
or an action; and third, how to use the shape to keep 4. PERSPECTIVE
a constant sense of volume and form.
88
BACK VIEW
Gesture
Shapes
Landmarks/ Volume
Anatomy
Value
The sternomastoid muscles work to pull the head and neck forward as well as rotate the head
and face laterally. These muscles begin on the interior surface of the manubrium and clavicle
and insert into the skull behind the ear.
STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID — SHAPE
The sternomastoid can easily be remembered as a shape that
resembles a baseball bat. When placing this shape, remember
that it is aligned in a diagonal from the manubrium to the
base of the skull.
The volume of the sternomastoid should be shown wrapping around the cylinder of the neck
while moving back spatially to suggest the distance from the manubrium back to the base of
the skull.
PECTORALIS MAJOR — GESTURE
The pectoralis muscle pulls the arm forward across the chest and rotates the arms medially.
Remember the description of the muscle’s action is what you want to look for when deciding
the “C” or “S” curve, which again is the basic gesture to the muscle. It begins on the medial
half of the clavicle, along the length of the sternum, and across the cartilages of the first six or
seven ribs, inserting into the bicipital groove on the front of the humerus.
94
eh PW
Me
7
sine,raeten,Nis
e
iG ey
PECTORALIS MAJOR — VOLUME
96
97
Remember, this basic anatomical
design can be changed to develop
likeness, gender, animal, or creature.
98 ANATOMY
99
TRAPEZIUS — GESTURE
The trapezius rotates, lifts, and pulls the scapula. Its origin is at the base of the skull and down
to the twelve thoracic vertebrae. The trapezius inserts along the lateral third of the clavicle, the
upper edge of the spine of the scapula, and ending at the tubercle of the spine.
100
101
The shape of the trapezius
can also change to suggest
a movement or activity.
Notice how the shape of the
trapezius pinches when the
scapula moves closer to the
spine. Conversely, when the
scapula pulls forward with
the movement of the arm,
the trapezius is stretched and
is shown as thinner, pulling
across the ribs beneath.
TRAPEZIUS — VOLUME
102 ANATOMY
103
™~
taco ie moeenrtne
ps
Fay ‘ ”
apres
2 Fase rey
~ THe DELTOID — GESTURE
The deltoid consists of three separate heads. The first is the anterior portion, which raises the
arm in front of the body. Second is the acromial portion, which pulls the arm away from the
body. Third is the anterior portion, which pulls the arm backward.
The origin of the deltoid’s shape is a continuous line passing along the last third of the clavicle,
the border and top of the acromion of the scapula, and the lower edge of the spine of the
scapula. The deltoid inserts outside of the humerus about half-way down the arm.
104
DELTOID — SHAPE
|
f
=
A
' | DELTOID - VOLUME
SK.
\
105
106 ANATOMY
a a SES
107
RECTUS ABDOMINIS — GESTURE
The rectus abdominis (or abdominal group) works to flex the trunk at the lumbar vertebrae.
This muscle group begins at the base of the pubic bone and inserts into the surfaces of the fifth,
sixth, and seventh ribs.
108
RECTUS ABDOMINIS — VOLUME
109
OBLIQUES — GESTURE
OBLIQUES — SHAPE
OBLIQUES — VOLUME
111
SERRATUS ANTERIOR - GESTURE
The serratus slides the scapula forward and aids in elevating the shoulder and the arm. It
originates on the outer surfaces of the first eight or nine ribs and inserts into the underside of
the scapula.
The volume of the serratus should show the muscle as a sphere or ovoid form. Additionally,
this muscle should appear to be a smaller form sitting on the larger form of the rib cage.
113
ERECTOR SPINAE - GESTURE
The erector spinae (or sacrospinalis) is a muscle group that extends the vertebral column and
head, as well as aiding in flexion and rotation. This muscle group begins on the inner surface
of the iliac crest and ends into numerous points on the back of all twelve ribs, and eventually
into the skull.
},
ovoid shapes above two cylinders. Depending on
the activity taken by the figure, these simple shapes
TIE ca
can easily be shown to pinch (by contracting their
shape) or stretch (by elongating the forms).
114
Study these drawings
for how the erector
spinae changes
form with different
perspectives.
115
LATISSIMUS DORSI] - GESTURE
Adducts, extends, and rotates the humerus. Additionally, the latissimus pulls the arms down (like
when swimming) or lifts the body up (as in climbing).
The latissimus originates along the lower sixth thoracic vertebrae and the crest of the ilium. It
inserts on the front of the humerus higher than the attachment of the pectoralis.
116
117
118
119
ANATOMY ano ARCHITECTURE
Many artists throughout history have let their studies of the figure inform their architectural designs
(and vice versa). One of the many benefits of this is the sharing of strong perspective and spatial
principles.
Additionally, thinking of the anatomical shapes we covered in a more geometric, architecturally
informed way can result in endless design solutions or more memorable shapes and patterns.
120
121
122
123
gah
sea SaTocar
LapTES SOR
i
7f
Study anatomy for the complex planar structure it i
gives to the figure. if
130
The points to look for in the construction
of the shoulder girdle consist of:
131
Pocess fou THe DEVELOPMENT of THe Anus » EUS —
i. LINE o& Action)
> (oF ARMS og Leg)
2, PEaes~ecTVve
S Kester oF aeaponicar SHAPES.
Above is a diagram that gives a process for drawing the arms and legs. This is similar to the
anatomy and motion diagram in the previous chapter. This process should look very familiar
by now, as it is the same one used for just about everything so far. If you are having difficulty
in your drawings, return to this process and double-check your approach. If you notice your
drawings are weak in a specific step, focus all your practice time on improving that one area.
The challenge in drawing the arms and legs is that all the anatomical shapes are essentially
spheres or ellipses, and that they need to be developed on top of a difficult, complex surface
(the cylinder).
These drawings
illustrate the concepts
on the opposite page.
Remember the active
vs. passive shapes are
what will determine
your asymmetry of
line and sense of
“naturalism.”
133
We will begin studying the anatomy of
the arm by looking from the scapula
into the head of the humerus. You may
want to review the scapula shape, its
movement, etc. as a refresher before
jumping right into the anatomy.
134
The elliptical shapes on the larger triangular form of the scapula represent:
U
rotate the arm and help
stabilize the shoulder.
136
SIDE VIEW
The forearm is an incredibly complex weaving of anatomy that will ultimately deserve more
time and study then given here. | have taken great liberties to simplify the anatomy in order
to integrate these basic ideas into a process. Again, this approach highlights a working process
and should under no condition be used as an anatomy reference. | highly recommend that
this approach be supplemented with additional anatomical texts.
138
The radius is opposite in shape to the ulna: a
triangle that is fat at the bottom and skinny
at the top. The radius always appears on the
thumb-side of the wrist.
139
The design of the forearm can be reduced into three basic shapes/ellipses: the flexors,
extensors, and ridge muscles. While we will add to these three, these are the major shapes to
focus on. These muscles can be seen in the diagrams on page 137.
The flexors are made of three separate muscles on the medial half of the forearm, beginning
at the medial epicondyle of the humerus, and continuing to the palmar (inside) region of the
hand. The flexors are a more powerful muscle grouping than the extensors or ridge muscle,
and are actively seen when the hand is gripping, making a fist, or pronating the arm.
140
141
142 THE ARM
qe a eS S SS a SE
Successful understanding of the forearm’s anatomy will help you depict pronation and supination
of the arm.
In pronation, the radius crosses over the ulna. In terms of anatomy, pronation involves the
pronator teres, pronator quadratus, and flexor carpi radialis.
In supination, the bones of the radius and ulna lie parallel to one another. Supination is more
powerful than pronation. Supination involves the biceps brachii and supinator.
143
2
Nau
STS TT
1. To start the arm, it is first most important to position/work out the gesture. On top of the
more lyrical, overall gesture (demonstrated in Chapter 1), place a straight line to give a strong
feeling on the bones as well as 2-D position.
2. Second, build your perspectives on top of the straight. These cylinders (demonstrated in
the Landmarks chapter) are the most important element to provide a believable sense of space
and form. The anatomy will need to be wrapped around these cylinders using the two main
ideas of transitional volumes.
3. Place the asymmetrical design of the anatomy of the arm on top of the cylinders.
15
153
ee SSay
The benefit to only using spheres and ellipses is that lighting,
or inventing a light source, becomes much easier.
155
A different exercise, used here, is
the development of form and value
through the use of only ellipses. Study
the drawings, paying attention to the
surfaces they depict.
158
These two drawings show
the evolution of the process
and working method.
eay
Ae co MARNE”, ira mectenn late ee
— - : 159
THE HAND
When drawing the hand, you will follow
a similar process to the one used when
drawing at the head, and this same process
will again be used again when looking at
the foot in a future chapter.
By looking at the skeleton of the hand, you can take away important proportional
information. The hand is primarily made up of three groups of bones: the carpus group, the
metacarpus (the bones of the palm), and the phalanges (the bones of the fingers).
The drawing below is a diagram of the bones in the hand. The circle shown near the top
of the hand represents the carpus group. The carpus group is a collection of eight bones
organized in a bridge-like form.
161
162 THE HAI ND >
The diagram to the right shows the proportional
relationship between these groups. The entire oval fe ™%®
shown is a simplified version of the diagram on - | /
page 161. That oval is split at the half-way point / 3 \
he
to represent the end of the metacarpals (knuckles). a
|
The upper half of the hand is made up of one-third
carpus group and two-thirds metacarpals. The | ie i 2
lower half of the hand is made up entirely of the
fingers/phalanges.
x
——
The bones in the fingers are proportionally-based
on a 3:2 ratio. The diagram to the left shows the
relationship between the three bones in the finger:
the proximal (closest to the palm), middle, and
distal (furthest bone or tip of the finger) phalanx.
Additionally, depending on the movement of the fingers, these shapes will be where you will
find a pinch or a stretch taking place. For example, if the thumb moves against the index
finger, the shape of the first dorsal interosseous will be compressed and pinched.
164
165
PERSPECTIVE
ee
— “Ss
167
FINGER BONES AND KNUCKLES
The diagram just above details the two types of interaction that exist when using a sphere and
a cylinder together to develop the fingers. The example on top shows how the sphere and
cylinder will interact when the finger is raised and coming towards the viewer. In this view,
the cylinder continues to the inside of the sphere, creating the “T” overlaps. To show the
finger pointing away, the cylinder stays outside of the sphere, creating “T” overlaps.
168
Study the two drawings below to see how this principle has been used.
169
FLESH ano MUSCLE
Having developed the underlying structure, the next step in drawing the fingers involves
adding the flesh or muscle. It is important to work through the previous stages before creating
a finished line. Going directly to a contour risks creating a drawing with no feel for the
skeletal structure or perspective. However, when you have had enough practice in working
through the construction method, you should be capable of creating a finished volumetric line
without working through the construction.
Notice on the finger seen in profile how the shape becomes very pointed at the end, while
still having a sense of volume created by the placement of the nail. The drawing to the
bottom right shows how to develop a sense of gesture in relationship to the finger’s or hand’s
involvement with an environment. Exaggerating the fatty underside of the finger as it is
squashed is a clear way of describing an interaction with an object.
171
172
THE WHOLE PROCESS — tHe FINGER
173
These pages show how to put all of the
knowledge from the previous pages into
a manageable process. The first drawing
shows how to start the hand with a
gesture.
175
The third step begins with
finding the end of the wrist or
the radius and the ulna. You will
be able to identify this area by
looking for two distinct bones
pushing up against the skin. The
bone of the radius will always
be found on the thumb side of
the hand, while the ulna will
always be on other side in line
with the little finger.
179
The challenges of drawing the leg are similar to drawing the arms. You are working with
cylinders, and having to wrap shapes around that much trickier surface. However, keeping in
mind the overall process should help make this difficult form more manageable.
The majority of shapes in the leg are variations of an ellipse. To make remembering the
anatomical design of the leg a little simpler, envision and memorize the way these elliptical muscles
of the leg tumble down the form.
Throughout the chapter, refer back to this page for simplified views/conceptions of muscle shapes.
182
The first group of muscles begins on the hip and pulls toward the great
trochanter of the femur. The focus when studying these shapes is to
understand abduction versus adduction. The first shapes introduced
are ones involved in abduction. Keep in mind (once again) that | am
simplifying the muscle function in order to emphasize the integration of
these ideas into the drawings. These muscles also help rotate the thigh,
stabilize the knee, etc.
183
Use the diagrams on this page as potential
solutions to the perspectival construction
of the abductors and pelvis and reminders
of how to simply communicate the active
versus passive muscle groups from the hip
into the leg.
185
The gluteus maximus is a muscle that can be involved in
adduction and abduction.
186
187
188 THE LEG
189
This page shows a simple shape
for the iliotibial tract visible
on the side of the leg. Among
other things, the iliotibial tract
is a point of insertion for the
tensor fascia, while also sitting
over the vastus lateralis. It
ultimately inserts into the tibia.
Sartorius — this
muscle aids in flexing
the lower leg and
rotating the leg
medially. lt can be
described as a long
“S” curve, beginning
at the end of the iliac
crest and inserting
into the inside of the
tibia.
191
192
The hamstrings group is a collection
of three large muscles on the back
of the leg (semimembranosus,
semitendinosus, and biceps femoris).
The shape used to represent these
muscles is a ellipse with two legs at
the bottom (legs representing the
tendons which end in the lower leg).
Among other things, the collected
shape of the hamstrings flexes the
knee joint.
193
The quadriceps are a large
group of muscles situated
on the front of the femur,
continuing onto the outside
of the thigh. Notice that the
shape used to represent these
muscles, when grouped, is a
large ellipse.
194
aay,
muna
ae oa ‘Sag
gore
LPR e oy
ep ne ORR RINT Eons
ene
Ong
SRT He 5
efene
“se
Tesae S eb TANYS Kae
IA
R ‘ing otanes
NRSeo
t”
aA RMROR eng ish Go
198
The calf muscles (here, the soleus
and gastrocnemius are grouped
into a common shape) raise the
heel and prevent the figure from
falling forward from a standing
position. The calf muscle has its
origin at the fibula and inserts into
the calcaneus bone/heel block.
199
200
CaP Kor
201
THE FOOT
The process of drawing the foot begins by studying the design of the bones,
looking at the placement of the anatomical shapes, and then using this
information to design volumes and line. The main design focus of the foot is
that it provides stability for and supports the weight of the body. The design
of the foot is similar to a shock absorber, in that it can support the body’s
impact as it walks, runs, or jumps. It also can work as a lever to push or help
propel the leg (and body) forward.
Before beginning our study of the foot, remember that whenever you take
the time to study a part of the figure’s anatomy, there is always much more to
learn and get out of it than just the remembrance of muscle names, textures,
and origin/insertion points (which have mostly been omitted in this study
of the figure). For example, the foot, hand, and rest of the body are perfect
lessons in the idea of form matching
function. In other words, in
addition to being a lesson in
how to draw the foot, studying
the foot will instill in you the
natural principles of how a form
(the foot) is designed in order
to match its needed function
(supporting/absorbing weight,
movement, etc.). Thinking this
way will sensitize you to creating
characters, crafts, architecture,
and so on, with the correct
functional aesthetic.
202
The design of support in the foot is built on two major arches: the
longitudinal arch (front to back — example A) and the transverse
arch (side to side — example B), and example C shows an idea of
how they work together.
OUTSIDE VIEW
INSIDE VIEW
203
The diagram at right shows a view of the foot
seen from beneath. Note that the half-way point
is the beginning of the fifth metatarsus (little toe).
Additionally, this diagram includes the main areas of
padding on the bottom of the foot, which give us the
recognizable footprint shape.
204
Here are examples of how to render
the padding on the bottom of the
foot. The padding is described as a
softer area, in order to transmit the
idea of its potential to support weight.
205
When drawing the foot, or analyzing a difficult form in general, |
start by taking the lessons, ideas, or major themes from the bones
and interpreting them through a combination of the major three
volumes discussed earlier (cylinder, box, sphere).
206
We will begin by designing a structure to describe the
connection from the lower leg to the beginning of the
tarsus group (again the largest collection of bone in the
foot — requiring three different perspectival structures).
| | By manipulating a box, expanding it at the end, and then
~| Za attaching a sphere to it, you can describe this area of the
| foot as a wrench grabbing a ball.
\
f \ This description is also a match in terms of function.
Here, the wrench describes the lower leg ending,
while the sphere is a reduction of the bones in the
upper portion of the tarsus group. Additionally, as
demonstrated in the diagram, you can add a pin through
this structure, to help remember the movement. For
example, if a wrench was to be attached to a sphere, and
they both had a pin through them, that sphere would
only be able to move/spin front to back.
208
Look through the following examples for how these major \
perspective shapes can be thought from different angles.
209
The big toe is handled somewhat differently. Instead of three
joints, like the smaller toes, there are two. The quality of the
bone is much flatter and closer in perspectival description to
a box, and it has a separate orientation of placement. While
the smaller toes point downwards, the big toe faces upwards,
towards the sky.
PROCESS
The process for drawing the foot can be thought of in a similar way to the one used for the
hand. When beginning the drawing of the foot, start with a very simple idea for an envelope
— think of the foot with a sock still on — as this highlights the big activity while deterring you
from focusing on contour or details (look at the drawings in the upper right of the diagram
above). This step is done to show simple action, and also makes describing movement and
weight much easier. Also, notice at this point that the enveloped shape for the foot is, in most
views, very similar to a triangle. As the triangle is one of the more visually stable shapes, it
reinforces the idea that the foot is a form built for support.
210
Having established the envelope, just as with the
process for drawing the hand, the next step is to
break up the shape with one or two proportional
measurements, and then proceed with the
distribution and construction of the volumes
previously discussed, ending with the toes.
211
212 THE FOOT
213
5 SRR ee
r
i
.
y
ieee
ae =
When designing the
~
organic qualities of
the foot, keep hard,
crisp lines on top (to
signal a harder bone
exposed surface) and soft
gradated lines towards
the bottom (to depict the
soft, fleshier cushion of
the padding of the foot).
Additionally, keep the line work in the foot
% as economical as possible; too many lines
s drawn to describe bumps or smaller details can
~ f \ destroy the overall design.
215
sas pusponmepon CAG ey,
To begin, there are only a few things that need to be addressed as being completely new to
this area of study. First, in most cases, the gesture of drapery is consistent with gravity, and has
a descending linear direction. However, this changes in any type of pose where movement
or external conditions (for example, wind) are present. Second, different types of drapery
(silk, leather, denim, cotton, etc.) have totally unique qualities in the way they respond to
movement and form.
219
— peavert QHeow Ausars CesPouy
NS THE GNDECINING PECSPECTIVE’S
“DeAPE RY |
—VENSieS PTS.
— EXTEENAL coupmoeds
— CHseacjTeR, oF FaBeya
—_ on herve Poms
OT T oveziars
@) — Pear eine Lisies (Hes
— = XS "Ss 4 BiWAdS Ex mf
\ foii| @-TENS1e4
= RTSS= = = - ye” “ike Sime Pease
a KEES Wikeeic” . —_—
AN AS tHe Foow
Faamc wit Wane
Bedicard .
ee OOK GT
220
In the study of drapery, we will focus on seven different types of folds that will be intimately
linked to tension points located on the figure.
Tension points are the same as landmarks, just renamed to relate them more to the push or
grab of fabric. In order to emphasize how these tension points work, try thinking of the
skeletal points as being a large, moveable wire hanger. Thinking in this way will make the
study of drapery easier, as you will see the seven folds repeatedly occur in the same places.
Additionally, take note that although we are looking at the seven folds in isolation, they have
the ability to mix together. The challenge is to simplify and edit what you see for clarity so
that the movement and form of the figure have the primary read.
Beyond the new information presented above, the exact same techniques will be used to
interpret and show drapery on the figures: wrapping
lines, “T” overlaps, pinch vs. stretch, crisp sharp lines
vs. softer gradations, and so on.
PS msai
<= et
Ny
221
GCG
(Gsowap anaes 9
SMA win?
AVE sre) Cl
SMA ap BzmvhHao
-P Od appr wet
“sig Mosnal = sagywanv)
sig! a x pep — 0 0
oe @ aL a al a
LS, Hurets
ai
The second fold is called a cylinder fold. The cylinder fold is characterized by a consistent
placement of tension points. This consistent placement of tension points results in the fabric
looking as though there are a number cylinders lined up next to one another. Apart from the
figure, you can see examples of this fold in a shower curtain, window curtains, or anywhere
else where there is a consistent grab to the fabric. In addition to the fold or fabric as a static
form, keep in mind that this fold can change shape through gesture, just like the anatomical
shapes. This fold, as well as all the others, stretch or pinch based on how the figure pushes the
tension points.
The third fold is a “U” fold. Notice the “U” fold is caused by the drapery being suspended
between two main tension points. Additionally, notice the squash and stretch of the fold
is still designed with “C” and “S” curves. This fold can potentially appear between tension
points (landmarks) that have fabric suspended between them.
The fourth fold is called a pinch fold. A pinch fold can take place between any two tension
points in close enough proximity to pinch fabric between them — for example, the bend of
the arm or leg, between the neck and shoulder, the rib cage against the pelvis, etc.
223
N
N
Ss
225
The fifth fold is called a “S” or spiral fold. The “S” fold represents two tension points twisting the
fabric in opposing directions. This could take place on the arm, or, in the case of longer draping
clothing, from head to foot (in the case of a twist of the whole body). Notice that the main
design of the fold is first described as the “S” connecting two points, then wrapping across the two
volumes, and ending behind the forms in a “T” overlap.
The sixth fold is the “Z” fold. The “Z” fold is based off the letter to help remember the
asymmetrical compression of clothing as a result of gravity and excess fabric. This fold is most
likely seen at the bottom of the pants/leg. In this particular example, remember that you also
want to combine the “Z” fold with the end fold to describe the compression of fabric that ends
with the perspective of the form it is on.
226
Again, keep in mind that the folds can
combine. For example, in the case of the
arm, it is possible to have both a bend
and a twist, resulting in a pinch and spiral
fold happening at the same time.
eel Pe
ae =
Exteesar
Cond Tien!
C Wind, Meee
WoviiMwMeENT, ere)
227
229
Use the remainder of the drawings in this chapter to study and analyze where these basic
seven folds take place. Additionally, notice that, in some cases, the folds have the same
asymmetrical qualities of line to gesture (Chapter 1). This keeps the folds relating to one
another with a great deal of fluidity. The danger in drawing drapery is that too much
emphasis and attention on any one fold, or separate folds, can break up the movement
and form specific to the figure underneath.
230
231
While the primary emphasis in this book is on the development of form through the use of
line, the simple volumes developed will make an easy transition into lighting your figures.
By always using some kind of variation on a sphere, cylinder, or box, the job of lighting will
become much more organized and hopefully more manageable.
Good luck!
232 LIG
~Firpmet Soees a Bence Ne
VUU CoNbetinasS of Lhe At fy
Give A Qeicktee Reab c= form
~ Sutea ce
SS
Slew, Geaved SiReACE™
+ MoviEMicn
Ceet CdE@ES WIL Give THES
IO )
IMeLESS
LS
AN
THE PIF
ee eesciTy BREWYG TMAT HO Lint
AE —— UGHT ny %
ine TONE 7
Hace Tone
Cote
core siavow
<Wapen ; messin mt
é
\ dee eet
ZEAESTED UecnT CAST stlaows
Study the breakdown of the arm and head for some of the principles introduced on
the previous pages.
234 LIG
235